Shopping expressions and phrases for learners of English.
Bargain hunting
Spend time in the shops looking for items to buy
at the lowest price. "During the sales I go bargain hunting with my
friends!"
Do the shopping
Go shopping regularly to buy food and other necessities. "Jack and I generally do the shopping together on Saturday mornings."
Go shopping
Go to the shops to buy things. "She's gone shopping - I've no idea when she'll be back!"
Fitting room
A place to try on
clothes to see if they fit or suit you. "I need your opinion. Will you come with me to the
fitting room?"
I can't afford it
Not have enough money to
buy something. "I'd love that jacket but I can't afford it!"
In stock/out of stock
Be available or unavailable in
a shop or store. "I'm very sorry. I'm afraid the coulour you want is
out of stock."
It costs a fortune!
Be very expensive. "Look at the price of that bag - it costs a fortune!"
It costs an arm and a leg!
Cost a lot of money; be
very expensive. "The diamond engagement ring cost an arm and a leg!"
It's a steal!
So cheap that it’s almost as if you haven't paid anything for it. "At that price it's a steal. You won't find one cheaper in any other shop."
It's good value for money.
Worth the money spent on
it. "The quality is excellent so it's good
value for money."
Price tag
A label showing the
price of an article. "Before I try it on I must find the
price tag - just to be safe!"
Receipt
A piece of paper given
in a shop as proof that you have paid for an
article. (US: sales slip) "If you keep the receipt you'll
be able to exchange the article."
Refund
Money paid back to a
customer who is not satisfied with an article
purchased. "You must produce the receipt if you want to get a refund."
Summer or Winter sales
A period in the year when articles are sold at a reduced price. "The kids need new winter coats but I'll
try and wait until the sales to buy them."
Shop around
Visit a number of shops selling similar articles in order to compare the prices. "The Internet makes it easier nowadays to
shop around before buying
anything."
Shop assistant
A person who serves
customers in a shop. "The shop assistant was
extremely patient while my mother tried on several
pairs of shoes."
Shop till you drop
Go shopping for a very long time, until you are exhausted.
"If you go to London with Ashley, you'll shop till you drop, so take comfortable shoes!"
Shopaholic
Love shopping so much
that it is like an addiction "Sophie's favourite pastime is shopping - she's
a complete shopaholic!"
Shopping spree
Enjoy a lively outing, usually with much spending of money. "Liza is planning to go on a shopping spree as soon as she gets her bonus."
Shopping therapy
The idea that buying things can make you feel better. "A
little shopping therapy can usually cheer up bored
teenagers."
Spend money
Use money to purchase an
article or service ""We spent a lot of
money on excursions during our trip.
Splash out on something
Buy something even
though it costs a lot of money "When he got a promotion Andy splashed out
on a brand new car."
Take something back.
Return something that you have bought "The hair dryer didn't work properly so she
took it back to the shop."
That's a bargain!
Said when an article is well below the usual price. "That handbag goes beautifully with the dress,
and at that price
it's a bargain!"
That's a bit pricey!
It's a bit expensive. "Their clothes are a bit pricey but they have a
wonderful selection."
That's dirt cheap!
It costs very little ""80% off! That's incrediible - it's dirt cheap at that price.!
That's a rip-off!
Is much more expensive
that it should be "$10 for an orange juice? That's a rip-off!"
Window shopping
Look at things in shop windows, without actually purchasing anything. "I haven't been paid yet, so I can only go
window shopping"
